The recent arrival of spring christens not only the warming air and blooming flowers but also the movie theater. April brings the audience a number of good releases, and has something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the more notable films releasing this month.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – April 4 (Trailer)

The third movie in Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings the return of The First Avenger, Captain America himself. With the origin story out of the way, “The Winter Soldier” can delve into one of Captain America’s most interesting storylines.

The title villain, The Winter Solider, is a new foe that is an echo of Captain America’s troubled past. Played by Sebastian Stan, the villain looks very menacing and is sure to give Captain America a run for his money.

As for the cast, Chris Evans returns as our title hero along with Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, as well as newcomers Anthony Mackie, and Oscar winner Robert Redford.

The film has been getting nothing but rave reviews, and with the awe-inspiring visuals and great looking action, it may be clear to see why.

Joe – April 11 (Trailer)

It is safe to say Nicolas Cage’s best days are probably behind him. His films for the past number of years have mostly been duds, but the Oscar-winner’s next release may be a return to form

“Joe” is the story of an ex-con who meets a 15-year old boy and “is faced with the choice of redemption or ruin.” The trailer is definitely worth checking out, as it shows some acting by Nicolas Cage that is much better than what we’ve seen of him lately. Joining him is young actor Tye Sheridan, who is best known for his role in last year’s “Mud” – a surprise hit film that very well could have earned him an Oscar nomination, so I’m very excited to see his best next performance.

Transcendence – April 17 (Trailer)

            For some reason, the story and the performances shown in trailers just can’t make me excited for “Transcendence.” I do hope to see it, however, for one main reason.

Making his directorial debut is Wally Pfister, who for many years was the cinematographer for Christopher Nolan, the famed director of the Dark Knight trilogy, and other works such as “Inception” and “The Prestige”.

It will be interesting to see Pfister’s transition from cinematographer to the director’s chair. As for the story, it looks unoriginal at best, yet the cast is headlined by some great actors such Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman, Paul Bettany, and Kate Mara, so hopefully “Transcendence” is a hit that can successfully launch Wally Pfister’s directing career.

There are a few other hits releasing this month such as “Rio 2” and “Draft Day”, yet the aforementioned films are truly the only ones worth talking about. Some smaller films that are most likely not coming to Alliance, but are definitely worth keeping an eye out for are “Oculus”, an original, creepy-looking horror flick, and “Blue Ruin”, an indie film with an interesting plot and gory action that has been garnering rave reviews. Check out the trailers below for some other notable movies coming to theaters this month.                              

                                                                   Also This Month 

Under The Skin – April 4 (Trailer)

Frankie and Alice – April 4 (Trailer)

Dom Hemingway – April 4 (Trailer)

Alan Partridge – April 4 (Trailer)

Oculus – April 11 (Trailer)

Rio 2 – April 11 (Trailer)

Draft Day – April 11 (Trailer)

Hateship, Loveship – April 11 (Trailer)

Heaven Is For Real – April 16 (Trailer)

Fading Gigolo – April 18 (Trailer)

Locke – April 25 (Trailer)

Blue Ruin – April 25 (Trailer)